NMPSIA Fall Update
Chris Parrino
The following represents an overview of NMPSIA programs and a financial update of the organization. Should you desire more information, feel free to contact Chris Parrino, NMPSIA School Business Official Board Representative at [email protected]. Or, you may contact the NMPSIA directly at 1-800-548-3724.
Benefits Division
NMPSIA recently added data warehousing services to its contract with its consultant, Segal. This will allow a better process for reviewing claims data utilization for benefit design and rate setting as well as determining trends for medical prescription drugs. The first set of reports will be provided to the NMPSIA Board in December.
NMPSIA’s wellness programs offered through the medical plans are beginning to show signs of increased member engagement. NMPSIA is asking for your support in considering implementation of the wellness-at-work program in an attempt to improve the overall health of the NMPSIA membership. These programs may also contribute to less absenteeism and improve presenteeism, as well as encourage members to develop a relationship with a primary care physician in order to ensure they become aware of whether or not they may be at risk of developing chronic medical conditions. The programs can be designed to fit the needs of your district/school as one-size does not fit all. If you would like more information, please contact Ms. Katherine Chavez, Benefits and Wellness Operations Manager, at [email protected] or Ms. Ernestine Chavez, Deputy Director, at [email protected] or at 1.800.548.3724. Please allow NMPSIA to help you come up with a strategic plan for your district/school. Remember, wellness is not just about nutrition and exercise, it is about our emotional, financial, occupational, environmental, spiritual, and social state of mind. Please visit nmpsia.com and review the presentations made during the July Regional Benefit Training sessions. The trainings were geared toward improving overall health.
The Express Scripts Annual report for FY17 indicates that specialty drugs are the cause for increased prescription drug trend. The specialty drugs per member per month trend increased by 16.4%. Inflammatory conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, and psoriasis) are the primary driver in the specialty trend increase. Other conditions such as diabetes, cancer, MS, hemophilia, asthma, Hep C, and HIV are also the cause of the increased trend. The top ten conditions being treated by specialty drugs represent 65.3% of NMPSIA’s total Rx plan cost of $53,056,015 (for both non-specialty and specialty drugs).
NMPSIA will be participating in a joint RFP with the NMRHCA, Albuquerque Public Schools and State Risk Management for pharmaceutical benefits management services to be released later this month. Currently, the contract with Express Scripts expires 6/30/18.
If you have any concerns related to benefit matters, please contact Ernestine Chavez at NMPSIA.
Risk Division
The Risk Services side of NMPSIA continues to review coverage for Districts & Charter
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